10437764

Multi Protocol Communication Switch Apparatus

PublishedOctober 8, 2019
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
8 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. An apparatus implementing packet switched serial protocol communication chip architecture for integrated circuitry, comprising: a plurality of external serial communication protocol ports; and at least one programmable packet switch operably connected to the said plurality of external serial communication protocol ports; and, the said programmable packet switch is adapted to provide packet switched serial protocol communication among the said plurality of external serial communication protocol ports; and, the said plurality of external serial communication protocol ports and the said programmable packet switch are collocated on the semiconductor die package; wherein, at least one external serial communication protocol port of the said plurality of external serial communication protocol ports communicates with external devices using a first packet switched serial communication protocol and, at least one external serial communication protocol port of the said plurality of external serial communication protocol ports communicates with external devices using a second packet switched serial communication protocol and, at least one external serial communication protocol port of plurality of external serial communication protocol ports communicates with external devices using a third packet switched serial communication protocol and, the said programmable packet switch is further adapted to provide protocol translation between the said first packet switched serial communication protocol, the said second packet switched serial communication protocol and the said third packet switched serial communication protocol.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to integrated circuitry for packet-switched serial communication, addressing the need for flexible, high-speed data exchange between multiple external devices using different serial communication protocols. The apparatus features a semiconductor die package containing multiple external serial communication ports and a programmable packet switch. The packet switch enables communication between these ports, allowing data to be routed dynamically among them. The system supports at least three distinct packet-switched serial communication protocols, with the packet switch performing protocol translation between them. This ensures compatibility and seamless data transfer across devices using different standards. The collocation of the ports and switch on a single die minimizes latency and improves efficiency, making the architecture suitable for high-performance applications requiring multi-protocol connectivity. The programmable nature of the switch allows for adaptability to various communication requirements, enhancing versatility in integrated circuit design.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. An apparatus of claim 1 wherein, the said programmable packet switch is further adapted to provide point to point cut-through communication between any two external serial communication protocol ports of the said plurality of external serial communication protocol ports.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a programmable packet switch designed to facilitate high-speed data communication between multiple external serial communication protocol ports. The primary problem addressed is the need for efficient, low-latency data transfer in systems requiring direct communication between multiple serial interfaces without intermediate processing or buffering delays. The apparatus includes a programmable packet switch capable of dynamically routing data packets between a plurality of external serial communication protocol ports. These ports support various serial communication protocols, such as Ethernet, PCIe, or other high-speed interfaces. The switch is configured to establish point-to-point connections between any two ports, enabling direct, cut-through communication. This means data packets are forwarded from the source port to the destination port without full packet buffering or processing, reducing latency and improving throughput. The switch's programmability allows for flexible configuration of communication paths, supporting both unicast and multicast traffic patterns. It can prioritize certain data flows, enforce quality-of-service (QoS) policies, and handle packet filtering or modification if required. The cut-through operation ensures minimal delay, making it suitable for real-time applications like financial trading, high-performance computing, or networked storage systems. The apparatus may also include additional features such as error detection, flow control, and port management to ensure reliable communication. The overall design aims to provide a scalable, high-performance switching solution for systems requiring direct, low-latency serial communication between multiple endpoints.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein, the said first packet switched serial communication protocol or the said second packet switched serial communication protocol or the said third packet switched serial communication protocol is programmable by an external device, via one of the said plurality of external serial communication protocol ports.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an apparatus for serial communication that supports multiple packet-switched serial communication protocols. The apparatus addresses the problem of limited flexibility in existing serial communication devices, which often require dedicated hardware for each protocol, leading to increased cost and complexity. The apparatus includes a plurality of external serial communication protocol ports, each capable of interfacing with different external devices using distinct packet-switched serial communication protocols. The apparatus is designed to dynamically switch between these protocols, allowing seamless communication with various devices without hardware modifications. Additionally, the apparatus includes a programmable feature that enables an external device to configure or modify the supported serial communication protocols via one of the external ports. This programmability enhances adaptability, reducing the need for multiple dedicated interfaces. The apparatus ensures efficient data transmission by managing protocol-specific parameters and ensuring compatibility across different communication standards. The invention simplifies integration into diverse systems by providing a unified interface for multiple protocols, making it suitable for applications requiring flexible and scalable communication solutions.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. An apparatus of claim 3 wherein, the said first packet switched serial communication protocol or the said second packet switched serial communication protocol or the said third packet switched serial communication protocol is PCI express.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a communication apparatus designed to handle multiple packet-switched serial communication protocols, with a focus on improving data transfer efficiency and compatibility. The apparatus includes a first communication interface configured to transmit and receive data using a first packet-switched serial communication protocol, a second communication interface for a second protocol, and a third communication interface for a third protocol. At least one of these protocols is PCI Express, a high-speed serial expansion bus standard widely used in computing systems. The apparatus further includes a controller that manages data routing between the interfaces, ensuring seamless communication across different protocols. The invention addresses the challenge of integrating diverse communication standards in a single system, particularly in environments where PCI Express is a key protocol. By supporting multiple protocols, the apparatus enhances flexibility and interoperability in data transmission, making it suitable for applications requiring high-speed, reliable communication between different devices or subsystems. The design simplifies system architecture by consolidating multiple communication interfaces into a unified apparatus, reducing complexity and improving performance.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. An apparatus of claim 3 wherein, the said first packet switched serial communication protocol or the said second packet switched serial communication protocol or the said third packet switched serial communication protocol is Ethernet.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an apparatus for serial communication using multiple packet-switched protocols, addressing the need for flexible and efficient data transmission in networked systems. The apparatus supports at least three different packet-switched serial communication protocols, including Ethernet, to enable compatibility with various network architectures and devices. The apparatus includes a communication interface configured to transmit and receive data packets according to the selected protocol, ensuring seamless integration with different network standards. The system dynamically selects the appropriate protocol based on network conditions or device requirements, optimizing performance and reliability. By incorporating Ethernet as one of the supported protocols, the apparatus ensures high-speed, low-latency communication in modern network environments. The invention enhances interoperability and scalability in communication systems, making it suitable for applications in industrial automation, telecommunications, and data centers. The apparatus may also include additional features such as error detection, data encryption, and protocol conversion to further improve communication robustness and security. This solution simplifies network deployment by reducing the need for multiple specialized communication devices, streamlining system design and maintenance.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. An apparatus of claim 3 wherein, the said first packet switched serial communication protocol or the said second packet switched serial communication protocol or the said third packet switched serial communication protocol is Serial Rapid IO.

Plain English Translation

Technical Summary: This invention relates to a communication apparatus designed to support multiple packet-switched serial communication protocols, with a specific focus on Serial RapidIO. The apparatus addresses the need for flexible and high-speed data transfer in systems requiring compatibility with different serial communication standards. The invention includes a communication interface capable of operating with at least three distinct packet-switched serial communication protocols, including Serial RapidIO, to ensure interoperability across various hardware and software environments. The apparatus is structured to dynamically select and utilize the appropriate protocol based on system requirements, optimizing data transmission efficiency and reducing latency. By integrating Serial RapidIO, a high-performance protocol known for its low-latency and high-bandwidth capabilities, the apparatus enhances real-time data processing in applications such as embedded systems, telecommunications, and high-performance computing. The design ensures seamless protocol switching without disrupting ongoing communications, making it suitable for environments where multiple protocols must coexist. The apparatus also includes error detection and correction mechanisms to maintain data integrity across different protocols, ensuring reliable performance in demanding operational conditions.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. An apparatus of claim 3 wherein, the said first packet switched serial communication protocol or the said second packet switched serial communication protocol or the said third packet switched serial communication protocol is Infiniband.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a communication apparatus designed to support multiple packet-switched serial communication protocols, including Infiniband, for high-speed data transfer. The apparatus addresses the challenge of integrating different high-performance protocols into a single system, ensuring compatibility and efficient data transmission across diverse network environments. The apparatus includes a communication interface configured to handle at least three distinct packet-switched serial communication protocols, with Infiniband being one of them. The interface dynamically selects and processes data packets according to the protocol in use, ensuring seamless communication. The system also incorporates a protocol conversion module that translates data between different protocols, allowing interoperability between networks using Infiniband and other supported protocols. Additionally, the apparatus features error detection and correction mechanisms to maintain data integrity during transmission. The design ensures low-latency, high-throughput communication, making it suitable for applications in data centers, high-performance computing, and other environments requiring robust and flexible networking solutions. By supporting multiple protocols, including Infiniband, the apparatus simplifies network integration and reduces the need for separate hardware for each protocol, enhancing scalability and cost-efficiency.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. An apparatus of claim 3 where in, the said first packet switched serial communication protocol or the packet switched serial said second packet switched serial communication protocol or the said third packet switched serial communication protocol is SPI 4.2.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to an apparatus for packet switched serial communication, specifically addressing the need for high-speed, reliable data transfer in embedded systems. The apparatus supports multiple packet switched serial communication protocols, including SPI 4.2, to enable flexible and efficient data transmission between devices. The apparatus includes a communication interface configured to handle data packets according to the selected protocol, ensuring compatibility with various communication standards. The apparatus also incorporates error detection and correction mechanisms to maintain data integrity during transmission. Additionally, it supports dynamic protocol switching, allowing seamless transitions between different communication protocols based on system requirements. The apparatus is designed to optimize performance in applications requiring high-speed data transfer, such as industrial automation, telecommunications, and embedded computing systems. By integrating SPI 4.2, the apparatus ensures backward compatibility with existing SPI-based systems while providing enhanced features for modern communication needs. The invention aims to improve data transfer efficiency, reduce latency, and enhance reliability in serial communication networks.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

October 8, 2019

Inventors

VISWA N. SHARMA

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MULTI PROTOCOL COMMUNICATION SWITCH APPARATUS